I was also disappointed to discover that rope, empty bottles, bedrolls, and empty potion flasks were useless. However, we have to consider that BG3 is a fairly accurate reflection of D&D 5e and that as it stands today, 5e is the 'easy mode' version of the game. Every character begins with a pack full of stuff, but nobody ever seems to use any of it.
Between Goodberry, Leomund's Tiny Hut, Full HP on Long Rest, etc the Travel/Survival pillar of 5e is by far the weakest atm. BG3 reflects that IMHO.
